Zero emission vehicles and alternative fuels

Electric vehicles work well for regular short to medium journeys. The growth of rapid charging infrastructure is enabling businesses to use electric vehicles for longer journeys. This makes electric vehicles a realistic transport option for many businesses operating within Northern Ireland.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has been installing public charging points across NI. This network enables electric vehicle users to charge at various points during longer journeys. Knowing where the public charging points are sited can help with a decision to invest in an electric vehicle. There is also financial support for the installation of certain types of private charging points.

Private charge points

The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) is a voucher-based scheme that provides eligible applicants with support towards the upfront costs of the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charge points.

The WCS is open to businesses, charities and public sector organisations that meet the applicant and site eligibility criteria.

The grant covers up to 75 per cent of the total costs of the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charge points (inclusive of VAT), capped at a maximum of:

• £350 per socket
• 40 sockets across all sites per applicant, eg if you would like to install them in 40 sites, you will have one socket available per site

Find out more about private charge point support.

Public rapid charge points

Rapid charge points are 50kW outlets - these can charge capable vehicles up to 80 per cent in around 20 to 25 minutes. These are located in petrol stations and on key strategic routes around Northern Ireland.

Public fast charge points

Fast charge points are 22kW double-headed outlets able to charge two vehicles at the same time. They are located in shopping centres, car parks, on-street, tourist attractions and other locations where electric vehicle drivers tend to park regularly. Depending on the type of electric vehicle, they charge within one to six hours.

You can find a map of all electric vehicle public charge points across the island of Ireland.